Cruise up the Cam after kids play first thing and to Clayhithe for a fine evening dinner out as US marines are killed in the Lebanon

A very cold morning, but no wind and so, after 9.00am with the sun out, it soon warmed up. The overnight minimum of about 40degF rose to 77degF in the open saloon of The Lady in mid-afternoon. The barometer fell to 1020 and forecasts are of a fine Wednesday but rain on Thursday – but we shall see! A breakfast of Water Melon and toast again, and then the children were sent out to play. Although reluctant at first, they soon made friends with two girls and boys of their age. Rona, a nine year old, was the first girl I have seen Daniel prepared to play with. The Twenty Pence Inn has swings of tyre seats and a long slide set into the bank which keeps the kids nicely occupied.

In late morning we set off after scrubbing the roofs with a good brush and water. We cruise along in fine still weather and moor alongside the Streatham Engine for lunch of stewed hamburgers and carrots. We all look round the Old Engine which was built in 1831 and are again pleased by its accessibility. The trustees are in the hands of all visitors to avoid theft and make their purchases and entrance donations and then trust is repaid with honesty.

After lunch we cruise on to Pope’s Corner and up the River Cam to Bottisham Lock. On the way I let Diana take the helm whilst I apply good polish to all of the exterior woodwork. Through Bottisham Lock, which pleases Daniel for there is no longer a full-time lockkeeper and Daniel enjoys working the gates which are electrically driven at each end. We moor in mid-afternoon at the Bridge Hotel, Clayhithe and walk into the nearby village of Waterbeach and have fun shopping at a good variety of shops around the village green. Both the Bakers on the way from the river and the Fruit and Vegetable barn were most helpful. Eventually with all purchased we return to The Lady, serve strawberry jam sandwiches to the kids and dress for dinner at The Bridge. A good Hotel and Restaurant serving Prawn Cocktail and Fillet Steak for me; Soup and Plaice for Diana, all washed down with a bottle of Rose d’Anjou, together with coffee after cheese for me and sweet for Diana, the bill was a little pricy at £20.

News today of US marines being killed on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon and gloomier CBI forecasts of non-economic growth. England win the fourth test and Steve Cram wins a major athletic meeting metric mile but fails to break the record. Bed tonight well satisfied on our full dinner.